Do the Russian people regard the UK as an ally or as an enemy?

Question

Or do they think anything at all?

Answer 1

Strangely enough different Russian people have different views, just as in any country!

I have taught many Russian students, and they all seem to love thier time in England and get on well with English people. The group leaders are also USUALLY very polite and corteous. And I always get lots of presents :)

As far as economics or politics are concerend I couldn't help you out, but if you're planning visitng there I'm sure you'll be treated well. Get yourself a Lonely Planet book and read the culture section so you don't inadvertantly do anything that may cause offence.

Answer 2

Politically, I think UK is a great ally of USA, not Russia, that's for sure. But we don't think of you as our enemies... Of course if you will not support US forces in some "save the freedom" operation in Russia! But we do have those nice fast missiles Topol-M so I don't think they ever dare...

But let’s take a look on the bright side:

English culture is rather popular in Russia, in big Russian cities esp. in Moscow and Saint Petersburg. A lot of people love the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Paul Oakenfold, Harry Potter, English football teams and David Beckham. I know that there is strong English community in Saint Petersburg. Once I saw a motorcade of 30 or so MINI's crossing the city waving UK flags that was last year during football championship.

Answer 3

I'm English and my wife is Russian so she thinks of me as either depending on the issue.
In general Russians have a fairly positive view of the British as being polite and friendly. Politically they say that the British do not have allies, only interests. If an alliance threatens our interests we would rather break the alliance than damage our interests. They quite admire the concept but do not regard us as a steadfast ally, even when we are in an alliance with them.
Overall opinion is positive and they certainly do not regard us as enemies.

Answer 4

I think that the UK was viewed as an enemy much more years ago during the Cold War of the early 80s than now. You could say that their hate has 'thawed' a bit. Although the recent Alexander Litvenyenko spy killing has done nothing to warm the relationship. If anything, it has made it cooler again.

Answer 5

Why are you asking? Are you thinking of taking a trip there. I'm British (actually Scottish not English, but pretty much the same thing) and have found many of the Russians I spoke to during my time there to be very friendly and not at all hostile - except for the ones working in banks, train stations, etc, but they're like that with everyone!!

Answer 6

Russian people like us too busy feeding their families and struggling to survive than thinking about The UK and what happens there.

Answer 7

Not only russians have to respect english persons and on the contrary too

Answer 8

The cold war propaganda always classed the English as scary people.... a ruthless enemy. "The dreaded English/British".

Hopefully they can see past that now... but we did invade them one time so they prolly have reason to feel that way. (Charge of the Light Brigade and all that)

Answer 9

i don't think we think of UK people like that! I don't think most of people think about them at all, why would they? At this point UK for most is a dream country - students want to study there, others want to move, work .... and so on



good luck

Answer 10

So english mens looks like russians,they have seem words in lang.... they have old their history.....they live with out word "english enemy"...so russians hate only americans.....English land is europen brother land for russian land.....so but i dont want to live there.....England have a lot of terrarists.....they like ants,everybody go to England.....so much immigrants in London,that i call London -"Londonstane".....muslims are everywhere.....